Armstrong to battle Schleck brothers for podium spot in Tour de France time trial in Stage 18

Armstrong vies for podium in Tour’s 18th stage

ANNECY, France — The 18th-stage time trial is under way at the Tour de France, with Lance Armstrong needing a comeback if he wants a place on the podium when the race ends Sunday in Paris.

Alberto Contador has a comfortable grip on the yellow jersey, and the fourth-place Armstrong is looking to overcome brothers Andy and Frank Schleck, who bumped the Texan from second a day earlier.

Riders are setting off one-by-one in reverse order of the standings for the 25.2-mile stage looping around the picturesque Lake Annecy near the French Alps.

Yauheni Hutarovich of Belarus was first to leave under cloudy skies. The title contenders are to ride later in the afternoon.